VANUATU Prime Minister Jotham Napat and new Melanesian Spearhead Group Director General Dr Anna Naupa reaffirmed support for the right of the Kanak people to self-determination and discussed the human rights situation in West Papua during their first official meeting.
The two leaders discussed decolonisation efforts in New Caledonia, maritime boundaries, regional initiatives and MSG trade policies.
A key focus was the ongoing decolonisation efforts of the Kanaks in New Caledonia.
The leaders also expressed concern about the human rights situation in West Papua. In 2019, Pacific Islands Forum Leaders passed a resolution in Funafuti, Tuvalu, calling for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights to visit West Papua and report independently on the plight of Melanesians there.
That visit remains pending approval from Indonesia.
“It is clear from this very first meeting that the new MSG leadership has not lost sight of the original vision of our founding fathers,” Napat said.
“The MSG was established to give voice to our people, to protect our land and sea, and to stand together when one of us hurts. That spirit is alive.”
The leaders also discussed MSG maritime boundary issues, which Napat described as critical to the region’s ocean identity.
Vanuatu has been in active discussions with New Caledonia and France, as well as Fiji, on maritime boundaries. Napat noted that Vanuatu’s boundary matters with the Solomon Islands were resolved “the Melanesian Way” in 2016 through the Mota Lava Treaty.
Naupa and Napat agreed the discussions were vital to align with newer regional undertakings, including the “Melanesian Corridor” and “Ocean of Peace” concepts. The latter was first proposed by Fiji’s Prime Minister Sitiveni Rabuka in 2023.
Naupa also shared her commitment to revisit MSG trade policies to ensure agreements signed by Leaders are fully realised for the benefit of Melanesians.
“Dr. Naupa brings heart, intellect, and a deep love for our region,” Napat said. “Under her leadership, I am confident the MSG will continue to be the home of Melanesian solidarity and action.”
Naupa thanked Napat for Vanuatu’s continued leadership and hospitality and expressed her commitment to working closely with all MSG members to deliver on the aspirations of their people.
The Government of Vanuatu congratulated Naupa on her appointment and said it looked forward to a new chapter of cooperation, unity and progress for the Melanesian family.
